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Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Do you see your stomach protruding farther than you’d like? Do your arms and legs look flabbier than ever?
If so, it might be in your best interest to address this excess weight gain. Besides extending your waistline, having a weight beyond the typical BMI range can spell disaster for your sexual health.
It’s true. Obesity and erectile dysfunction are two conditions that have close and established links with one another.
And while it’s tempting to continue living a lifestyle disregarding the consequential effects of excess body weight, it’s not the best approach to living healthily—especially if you want to maintain normal erectile function.
That said, you may be wondering how BMI and your sexual health overlap in the first place.
This article will delve into the underlying link between BMI and erectile function, how to lose weight, and additional tips on preventing yourself from developing erectile dysfunction.
Let’s begin.
Understanding the BMI Scale
The body mass index (BMI) is a tool used to quickly assess whether an individual has an appropriate weight for their height. It’s calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.
The resulting figure gives a rough estimation of a person’s weight category, and it goes as follows:
- Underweight: 18.5 and below
- Normal: 18.5 to 25
- Overweight: 25 to 30
- Obese: 30 and above
While BMI is a useful initial screening tool, it doesn’t differentiate between weight for muscle and fat.
This means that there may be times when a muscular person may be tagged as ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’ based on their BMI figure. Conversely, someone might have a normal weight range but could still carry excess body fat.
That said, BMI is still a useful tool for the vast majority of people, particularly those who don’t have an active lifestyle. If your BMI falls within the upper ranges, the risk of complications gets higher and higher.
Obesity and Its Risks
Obesity is more than just a numerical representation on the BMI scale, nor is it merely an aesthetic matter, it’s a medical condition that’s riddled with a plethora of health risks.
Here are some health risks that become significantly more prevalent when you’re obese:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Mental health disorders
By being aware of obesity and its risk factors, you’ll be more equipped to make informed health decisions.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual dysfunction marked by reduced blood flow in the penis, causing a failure to start or maintain an erection.
This condition affects 18 million men in the United States with varying levels of severity, affecting nearly half of all men aged 40-70 years old to some level. In these cases, the presence of the disease can negatively impact the quality of life of both the patient and their partner.
The cause of ED can stem from various sources. It commonly arises due to aging, but it can also be an independent risk factor such as the presence of a health condition. It may also be a result of mental health disorders.
Regardless, ED is a serious problem that can obstruct normal sexual function. As such, if you suspect you have this condition, talk to a doctor to undergo possible erectile dysfunction treatment plans.
ED and BMI: The Connection
Sexual health and body fat are connected in more ways than one. Here’s a closer look into this connection.
Erectile dysfunction is known to have decreased blood volume flowing to the penis. Obesity contributes to this lessened blood flow and gives rise to other chronic conditions like atherosclerosis. This, in turn, showcases a connection between obesity and heightened ED risk.
ED is a multifactorial problem, and it’s also indicative of systemic disease. This can be influenced by obesity, as being obese can contribute to the development of chronic health conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and high cholesterol.
Fat accumulation is directly correlated to an increase in adipose tissue in the body. This tissue produces aromatase, which is known for converting testosterone to estrogen. This decreases the volume of testosterone in the body, leading to testosterone-induced erectile dysfunction and low libido.
Obese individuals also have a higher chance of developing depression. This can negatively impact erectile quality and cause individuals to avoid sexual experiences.
Lastly, obesity is often indicative of poor dietary choices with a lack of nutrients and minerals. Not having the right nutritional breakdown can lead to an increased risk of patients developing erectile dysfunction.
Tips on Losing Weight
If you’re obese, you’ll need to lose weight to properly manage your body and erection. There are several ways you can do this. Here are some tips on losing weight:
- Stay active
- Eat nutritious meals
- Sleep well
- Limit sweet drinks
- Portion your meals
Undergoing major lifestyle changes is tough, especially if you want to remain consistent. You may seek support from your doctor or network to help you go through this ordeal until it becomes easier.
Improving Erectile Function: Remedies
Erectile function is best addressed in a clinical setting. Fortunately, with the advancement of medicine and technology, there are several ways to get ED treatment.
This includes the following:
- Penile prosthesis surgery
- RestoreWave therapy
- ED Therapy
- Vacuum erectile devices
- Psychotherapy
Once you’ve been diagnosed with ED, your doctor will assess your case and medical background and provide you with the right treatment plan.
Get Weight Loss and ED Treatment at Atlanta, Georgia’s Best Men’s Clinic
Does having high body fat cause erectile dysfunction? Yes, and you’ll need to undergo a proper weight loss treatment to deal with the belly fat.
If you’re struggling with weight problems and ED symptoms, consider contacting one of the medical professionals at Atlanta’s Priority Men’s Medical Center for further guidance and tailor-fit treatment.
Besides ED treatment and weight loss programs, we also have a catalog of other medical treatments such as RestoreWave therapy, Low T treatment, and HGH treatment to help you overcome your sexual woes.
Improve your sex life and schedule a consultation with one of our doctors today. Your initial consultation and first treatment are completely free.
